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A funding bid to repair and refurbish Whitehaven’s historic lighthouses has today been given the green light.

Trudy Harrison MP has welcomed the news that £39,700, will be awarded to ‘repair and renovate the historic 19th century lighthouses’ following Whitehaven’s Harbour Commissioner’s Coastal Revival Fund bid in July.

The first stage of the project will establish the historic value of the two iconic lighthouses, creating a viable and deliverable renovation scheme.

Mrs Harrison, said: “Whitehaven is steeped in coastal history, once being the third biggest port in Britain.

“I’m s pleased that our important maritime heritage is being recognised and I look forward to this symbolic treasure being restored.”

The Coastal Revival Fund was introduced in 2015 to help coastal areas bring at risk heritage and community assets back into economic use as well as strengthen their appeal as places to live, work and visit.

Coastal Communities Minister, Jake Berry MP, said: "It's fantastic to be able to kick start the restoration of twenty-five important sites up and down our Great British coastline.

"From Whitehaven to Weymouth, we're saving some of the nation's most cherished coastal heritage assets and landmarks from falling into disrepair.

“The Coastal Communities Fund also helps regenerate our coastal communities and support them to grow by bringing these sites back to life and making them the focal points of their communities once more.”

"It's all part of our plan to invest nearly a quarter of a billion pounds in our seaside areas by 2020, providing thousands of jobs, training places and opportunities up and down the Great British Coast."

Copeland Mayor, Mike Starkie, said: “I am delighted that the funding for the Whitehaven lighthouses project has been agreed.

“The lighthouses are an iconic aspect of our harbourside and it’s extremely welcome news that they will be renovated and brought back into use.

“This is another important step in the regeneration of Whitehaven and the harbour.”